USA – May 2025: Global health leader Dr. Ahmed Ogwell has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VillageReach, stepping into the role this May. He succeeds Emily Bancroft, who led the organization for eight transformative years, expanding access to quality health care from 20 million to 111 million people.
Dr. Ogwell’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for VillageReach as the organization advances into the next phase of its 2030 Strategy, focused on building responsive primary health care systems that reach underserved communities and adapt to evolving health challenges.
A Proven Leader in Global Health Policy and Systems Reform
Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in health systems strengthening, policy reform, and global health diplomacy, Dr. Ogwell’s leadership spans prominent organizations and national ministries across Africa and beyond. He most recently served as Vice President of Global Health Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, where he oversaw high-impact portfolios supporting the UN’s global health mandates.
Dr. Ogwell also played a defining role at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), where he led Africa’s COVID-19 response and championed the New Public Health Order. His earlier contributions include key roles at the World Health Organization and Kenya’s Ministry of Health, where he founded both the Office for International Health Relations and the Department for Non-Communicable Diseases.
Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of health emergency preparedness, non-communicable disease policy, and international health negotiations—advocating for policy changes that shape the future of health care across the continent.
“We are at a critical juncture—facing infectious disease outbreaks, funding uncertainty, and systemic challenges. Now more than ever, we need collective action, innovation, and strong systems. I’m honored to join VillageReach at this time and help advance its 2030 goals,” said Dr. Ogwell.
Dr. Ogwell holds advanced degrees from the University of Nairobi and the University of Bergen, and is widely recognized for his commitment to equitable, sustainable health systems.
Continuing a Legacy, Building a New Chapter
Under Emily Bancroft’s leadership, VillageReach experienced unprecedented growth, laying the foundation for its ambitious 2030 agenda. Now entering its second year, the 2030 Strategy focuses on resilient, adaptable primary health care that can absorb shocks and respond to the evolving needs of under-reached communities.
“Dr. Ogwell’s deep understanding of African health systems and global policy makes him the ideal leader for this next chapter,” said Sena Kwawu, Chair of the VillageReach Board. “While aid disruptions have created unexpected challenges in the countries we serve, his experience and our strong strategy give us confidence in the road ahead.”
VillageReach’s mission—to transform health care delivery and ensure everyone has access to the care they need—remains central. Under Dr. Ogwell’s leadership, the organization will continue supporting government-led priorities, strengthening national health plans, and expanding access to quality care across Africa and beyond.
As the world grapples with increasingly complex health challenges, Dr. Ogwell’s leadership signals a renewed commitment to bold action, equity, and resilient health systems for the most vulnerable communities.
